Steering column

Hello all again

First thing I would like to say is I really appreciate all the answers I get back on this forum it's a real help.  With the mot looming I have now found that the steering column has play at the steering wheel end! Is this a matter of changing the top bearing in the ignition barrel? That looks a nightmare  Or will it pass with what I think is slight play (but I am not an mot inspector)? thanks once again for your help

cheers Matt 

I dont think you can buy just the bearing as it comes complete with the lock housing. Also check the plastic bearing at the bottom as normally thats the one that breaks up.
There is a guide in the haynes manual about drilling in the right spot on your old lock housing to remove the ignition barrel as it will all have to moved to the new housing.
Few others on ebay and places so check the prices as this was the first one I found.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-GOLF-MK1-MK2-GTI-STEERING-LOCK-HOUSING-C346-/190314313560?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item2c4f9df758

I've have play in mine for a couple of MOT and just got away with an advisory so either put it in and see what happens? I'm planning to change mine before my next MOT in November.

there is also a bush between column and ign lock bearing, its probably that which has gone if the play is at the top rather than lower bearing. part number is 171419341 1.62+VAT.

easy job if car is pre-88, after then they fitted a spline adaptor which can be a pain to remove

How difficult is it to get to the bottom steering column bush?

take the column out and it should be easily accessible, undo and remove bolt to uj and remove allen bolt holding ign lock to column tube. dont even have to take the wheel and stalks off, just unplug everything and it'll all slide out together